[0001] This invention relates to the encapsulation of electronic components. This invention
also relates to encapsulation compositions.
Background and Objects
[0002] The encapsulation of electronic components represents an art in and of itself. Electronic
components are encapsulated to maintain electrical insulation, to provide mechanical
protection and to otherwise shield the component from exposure to its environment.
As the evolution of electronics continues its rapid advance it becomes increasingly
important that the art and technology of encapsulation keep pace. An area of significant
concern and interest relates specifically to the compositions used to encapsulate
electronic components. There is an on-going effort to discover new and improved encapsulation
materials. The present invention represents a contribution to that effort.
[0003] A relatively recent development has been the use of poly(arylene sulfide) compositions
such as, for example, poly(phenylene sulfide) compositions, as encapsulating materials.
[0004] It is an object of this invention to provide encapsulation compositions having improved
properties such as, for example, improved electric yield and improved non-electrical
performance properties.
[0005] It is another object of this invention to provide electronic components encapsulated
with improved poly(arylene sulfide) compositions.
[0006] These objects and other objects and advantages will be apparent upon reading this
disclosure and the appended claims.
Brief Summary of the Invention
[0007] In accordance with this invention an electronic component is encapsulated with a
composition containing poly(arylene sulfide) and hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted
aromatic copolymer. This invention also includes certain encapsulation compositions
that are especially well suited for the encapsulation of electronic components. This
invention is further, and more completely, described in the disclosure that follows.
Description of the Invention
1. Article of Manufacture
[0008] The article of manufacture of this invention is an electronic component encapsulated
with a composition containing poly(arylene sulfide) and hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted
aromatic copolymer.
[0009] For the purposes of this disclosure and the appended claims the term poly(arylene
sulfide) is intended to designate arylene sulfide polymers. Uncured or partially cured
poly(arylene sulfide) polymers whether homopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer, and the
like, or a blend of such polymers, can be used in the practice of my invention. The
uncured or partially cured polymer is a polymer the molecular weight of which can
be increased by either lengthening of a molecular chain or by crosslinking or by combination
of both by supplying thereto sufficient energy, such as heat. Suitable poly(arylene
sulfide) polymers include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. 3,354,129,
incorporated by reference herein.
[0010] Some examples of poly(arylene sulfide) compositions suitable for the purposes of
my invention include poly(2,4-tolylene sulfide), poly(4,4
t biphenylene sulfide) and poly(phenylene sulfide). Because of its availability and
desirable properties (such as high chemical resistance, nonflammability, and high
strength and hardness) poly(phenylene sulfide) is the presently preferred poly(arylene
sulfide). Accordingly, poly(phenylene sulfide) compositions are the preferred encapsulation
compositions of my invention.
[0011] In accordance with this invention electronic components are encapsulated with a poly(arylene
sulfide) composition (such as, for example, a poly(phenylene sulfide) composition)
containing a hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic copolymer.
The poly(arylene sulfide) composition can be, but is not required to be, a mixture
of more than one type of poly(arylene sulfide). The poly(arylene sulfide) composition
can contain, in addition to the above hydrogenated copolymer, other components although
the broad concept of my invention is not limited thereto.
[0012] Our invention also includes electronic components encapsulated with more detailed
poly(arylene sulfide) compositions which are especially well suited for successful
use as encapsulation compositions. These compositions are described later in this
disclosure.
[0013] The conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic copolymers which can be hydrogenated
to suit the purposes of this invention include those described in U.S. Patent 3,595,942,
U.S. Patent 3,639,517 and U.S. Patent 4,091,053. The disclosure provided by these
patents is incorporated by reference herein. The copolymers can be random copolymers
or block copolymers. The copolymers can be linear or radial (branched) copolymers.
The monovinyl-substituted aromatic content of the copolymer can range from about 10
to about 90 weight percent based upon the total weight of the copolymer.
[0014] Examples of conjugated dienes that may be employed as monomers in the preparation
of a suitable copolymer are 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, 2,3-dimethyl-l,3-butadiene, piperylene,
3-butyl-l,3-octadiene and phenyl-l,3
-butadiene. Mixtures of conjugated dienes may be employed.
[0015] Examples of suitable monovinyl-substituted aromatic monomers include styrene, 3-methylstyrene,
4-n-propylstyrene, 4-cyclohexylstyrene, 4-dodecylstyrene, 2-ethyl-4-benzylstyrene,
4-p-tolylstyrene, 4-(4-phenyl- n-butyl)styrene, 1-vinylnaphthalene and 2-vinylnaphthalene.
The monovinyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon can contain alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl
substituents and combinations thereof such as alkylaryl. Mixtures of monovinyl-substituted
aromatic monomers may be employed.
[0016] The preferred copolymers are 1,3-butadiene/styrene copolymer and isoprene/styrene
copolymer. These copolymers are preferred because very good results have been obtained
with them.
[0017] Hydrogenation of conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic copolymers is known
in the art. Although this invention is not limited thereto, suitable hydrogenation
procedures are described in U.S. Patent 4,088,626, incorporated by reference herein.
The objective of the hydrogenation is to hydrogenate aliphatic double bond unsaturation
present in the copolymer. It is not an objective of the hydrogenation to hydrogenate
aromatic double bond unsaturation present in the copolymer. In one embodiment of this
invention at least about 80 percent of the aliphatic double bonds present in the copolymer
prior to hydrogenation are hydrogenated. Thus this hydrogenated copolymer is characterized
by at least about 80 percent aliphatic double bond hydrogenation. In accordance with
the above embodiment of this invention the hydrogenated copolymer can be further characterized
by less than about 25 percent aromatic double bond hydrogenation (i.e. less than about
25 percent of the aromatic double bonds present in the copolymer prior to hydrogenation
are hydrogenated). Good results can be obtained using a hydrogenated copolymer characterized
by at least about 99 percent aliphatic double bond hydrogenation and less than about
5 percent aromatic double bond hydrogenation.
[0018] The molecular weight of the hydrogenated copolymer can vary widely. Although this
invention is not limited thereto, the weight average molecular weight of the hydrogenated
copolymer can range from about 25,000 to about 350,000.
[0019] The electronic components to be encapsulated in accordance with my invention broadly
include all electronic components (i.e. devices, parts, etc.) for which encapsulation
is desired. The term electronic component is intended to be broadly construed and
includes, by way of non-limiting example, the following:
capacitors,
resistors,
resistor networks,
integrated circuits,
transistors,
diodes,
triodes,
thyristors,
coils,
varistors,
connectors,
condensers,
transducers,
crystal oscillators, fuses,
rectifiers,
power supplies, and
microswitches.
[0020] The definition of each of the above-identified electronic components is similarly
intended to be broad and comprehensive. The term integrated circuit, for example,
is intended to include, but is not limited to
large scale integrated circuits,
TTL (transistor transistor logic),
hybrid integrated circuits,
linear amplifiers,
operational amplifiers,
instrumentation amplifiers,
isolation amplifiers,
multipliers and dividers,
log/antilog amplifiers,
RMS-to-DC converters,
voltage references,
transducers,
conditioners,
instrumentation,
digital-to-analog converters,
analog-to-digital converters,
voltage/frequency converters,
synchro-digital converters,
sample/track-hold amplifiers,
CMOS switches and multiplexers,
data-acquisition subsystems,
power supplies,
memory integrated circuits,
microprocessors,
and so on.
[0021] The scope of this invention broadly allows the inclusion of fillers and reinforcements
in the encapsulation composition. Fillers can be used to improve the dimensional stability,
thermal conductivity and mechanical strength of the composition. Some suitable fillers
include, for example, talc, silica, clay, alumina, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate,
mica and so on. The fillers can be in the form of, for example, powder, grain or fiber.
In selecting a filler the following factors should be considered:
(I) the electrical conductivity of the filler (the lower the better);
(2) the thermal stability of the filler at encapsulation temperatures; and
(3) the level of ionic impurities in the filler.
[0022] Suitable reinforcements include fibers of glass or calcium silicate (e.g. wollastonite).
Examples of other reinforcements include glass or calcium silicate in nonfibrous form
(e.g. beads, powders, grains, etc.) and fibers of other materials such as asbestos,
ceramics, etc.
[0023] Although this invention is not limited thereto, the amount of hydrogenated conjugated
diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic copolymer in a composition containing poly(arylene
sulfide), reinforcement and filler should generally be about 0.1 to about 10 weight
percent based upon the total weight of hydrogenated copolymer, poly(arylene sulfide),
reinforcement and filler. The range we suggest for practice of the invention is about
0.5 to about 5 weight percent.
[0024] Besides reinforcements and fillers the compositions can optionally contain relatively
small amounts of other ingredients such as, for example, pigments, flow improvers,
and processing aids.
[0025] The electrical resistance and hydrolytic stability of the encapsulation compositions
of this invention can be improved by the addition of an organosilane. Many suitable
organosilanes are known in the art. Good results can be obtained with, for example,
N-{2-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylamino]ethyll-p-vinylbenzyln-monium chloride. Mercaptosilanes
can also be used for this purpose. 3-Hercaptopropyl- trimethoxysilane, HSCH
2CH
2CH
2Si(OCH
3)
3' is most preferred because of its high utility in improving electrical resistance
and hydrolytic stability.
[0026] It should be noted that the first list of electronic components includes both active
components (such as, for example, integrated circuits, transistors and diodes) and
passive components (such as, for example, capacitors, resistors and resistor networks).
The distinction is frequently important and is often determinative of the type of
poly(arylene sulfide) encapsulation composition best suited for encapsulation of the
component.
[0027] These more detailed poly(arylene sulfide) compositions, which are especially well
suited for successful use as encapsulation compositions, broadly comprise the following:
(a) poly(arylene sulfide),
(b) hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic copolymer,
(c) reinforcement, and
(d) filler.
[0028] These compositions can optionally contain, in addition to (a), (b), (c) and (d) above,
relatively small amounts of other components such as, for example, organosilanes,
pigments, flow improvers and processing aids.
2. Compositions for the Encapsulation of Active Components
[0029] Compositions used for the encapsulation of active components can be prepared in accordance
with the following weight percentages:
(a) Poly(arylene sulfide) about 25 to about 45 wt % broad range about 32 to about
38 wt % preferred range
(b) Hydrogenated copolymer about 0.1 to about 10 wt % broad range about 0.5 to about
5 wt % preferred range
(c) Reinforcement about 5 to about 30 wt % broad range about 10 to about 20 wt % preferred
range
(d) Filler about 40 to about 60 wt % broad range about 45 to about 55 wt % preferred
range
[0030] The above weight percentages are based upon the total amount of (a), (b), (c) and
(d) in the composition. The hydrogenated copolymer is the previously described hydrogenated
conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic copolymer.
[0031] The broad ranges represent the ranges within which the composition should be confined
in order to obtain good results. The preferred ranges are preferred because they define
a composition possessing the physical, chemical and electrical properties best suited
for its intended encapsulation purposes.
[0032] Although my invention is not limited thereto the viscosity of the composition used
for encapsulation of active components should generally not exceed about 800 poise
(as tested on a capillary rheometer at 650°F and at a shear rate of 1000 (sec)
-1). Encapsulation of active electronic components with compositions having viscosities
in excess of about 800 poise can cause damage to the components. It is contemplated
that the viscosity of the composition will generally range from about 150 to about
500 poise for active components other than very delicate components such as, for example,
integrated circuits with wire leads. With respect to very delicate components such
as, for example integrated circuits with wire leads, the viscosity of the encapsulation
composition should be below about 150 poise (as tested on a capillary rheometer at
650°F and at a shear rate of 1000 (sec) ). Encapsulation of integrated circuits with
compositions any higher in viscosity can cause wire wash (i.e., breaking of the wires
of the integrated circuit). It is contemplated that the viscosity of the composition
for the encapsulation of such integrated circuits and the like will generally range
from about 75 to about 150 poise.
[0033] Although viscosity of the composition depends on a number of factors, to obtain composition
viscosities below about 800 poise the viscosity of the poly(arylene sulfide) should
generally not exceed about 130 poise (as tested on a capillary rheometer at 650°F
and at a shear rate of 1000 (sec) ). It is contemplated that the viscosity of the
poly(arylene sulfide) will, in most applications, range up to about 70 poise. To obtain
composition viscosities within the desired range for delicate active components such
as, for example, integrated circuits with wire leads, the viscosity of the poly(arylene
sulfide) should generally be less than about 25 poise (as tested on a capillary rheometer
at 650°F and at a shear rate of 1000 (sec)
-1).
[0034] The reinforcements can be, for example, glass fibers or calcium silicate fibers.
[0035] The filler can be, for example, silica. The silica can be amorphous silica or crystalline
silica. Silica is commercially available as a finely ground material having a relatively
narrow particle size distribution ranging from about 1 to about 100 micrometers. Such
commercial silica is typically made up of about 99.5 weight percent Si0
2 with Al
2O
3, Fe
20
3, Na
2O and K
20 as the remaining components.
[0036] Other fillers include, for example, talc, glass, clay, mica, calcium sulfate and
calcium carbonate.
[0037] The preferred encapsulation composition for active components is prepared from:
(a) about 32 to about 38 wt % poly(phenylene sulfide) (viscosity less than about 130
poise as tested on a capillary rheometer at 650°F and at a shear rate of about 1000 (sec)-1),
(b) about .5 to about 5 wt % hydrogenated isoprene/styrene block copolymer.
(c) about 10 to about 20 wt % glass fibers or calcium silicate fibers, and
(d) about 45 to about 55 wt % silica.
[0038] If the viscosity of the poly(phenylene sulfide) is below about 25 poise (as tested
on a capillary rheometer at 650°F and at a shear rate of 1000 (sec)
-1) this composition is especially well suited for the encapsulation of integrated circuits
with wire leads. Accordingly, integrated circuits encapsulated with this composition,
represent one embodiment of my invention.
3. Compositions for the Encapsulation of Passive Components
[0039] Compositions used for the encapsulation of passive components can be prepared in
accordance with the following weight percentages:
(a) Poly(arylene sulfide) about 25 to about 45 wt % broad range about 32 to about
38 wt % preferred range
(b) Hydrogenated copolymer about 0.1 to about 10 wt % broad range about 0.5 to about
5 wt % preferred range
(c) Reinforcement about 20 to about 50 wt 7. broad range about 25 to about 45 wt %
preferred range
(d) Filler about 18 to about 38 wt % broad range about 23 to about 33 wt % preferred
range
[0040] The above weight percentages are based upon the total amount of (a), (b), (c) and
(d) in the composition. The hydrogenated copolymer is the previously described hydrogenated
conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic copolymer.
[0041] The broad ranges represent the ranges within which the composition should be confined
in order to obtain good results. The preferred ranges are preferred because they define
a composition possessing the physical, chemical and electrical properties best suited
for its intended encapsulation purposes.
[0042] Although my invention is not limited thereto the viscosity of the composition used
for encapsulation of passive components should generally not exceed about 1200 poise
(as tested on a capillary rheometer at 650°F and at a shear rate of 1000 (sec) ).
Encapsulation of passive electronic components with compositions having viscosities
in excess of about 1200 poise can cause damage to the components. It is contemplated
that the viscosity of the composition will generally range from about 500 to about
800 poise.
[0043] To obtain composition viscosities within the desired ranges the viscosity of the
poly(arylene sulfide) should generally not exceed about 300 poise (as tested on a
capillary rheometer at 650°F and at a shear rate of 1000 (sec) ). It is contemplated
that the viscosity of the poly(arylene sulfide) will generally range from about 190
to about 300 poise.
[0044] The reinforcements can be, for example, glass fibers or calcium silicate fibers.
[0045] The preferred filler is talc because of its availability and ability to improve the
dimensional stability, thermal conductivity and mechanical strength of the composition.
In place of talc, or in combination with talc, other fillers can be used. Examples
of such suitable fillers include, silica, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, clay,
glass and mica. Calcium sulfate is especially useful in compositions used to encapsulate
connectors.
[0046] The preferred encapsulation composition for passive components is prepared from:
(a) about 32 to about 38 wt % poly(phenylene sulfide) (viscosity less than about 300
poise as tested on a capillary rheometer at 650°F and at a shear rate of about 1000 (sec) 1),
(b) about 0.5 to about 5 wt % hydrogenated isoprene/styrene copolymer.
(c) about 25 to about 45 wt % glass fibers or calcium silicate fibers, and
(d) about 23 to about 33 wt % talc.
[0047] This composition is especially well suited for the encapsulation of capacitors. Accordingly,
capacitors, encapsulated with this composition, represent an embodiment of my invention.
4. How to Make
[0048] The compositions of this invention can be made in accordance with any method wherein
the poly(arylene sulfide), hydrogenated copolymer and other components (if any) are
combined to form a mixture. Many suitable methods are well known to those of skill
in the art. By way of example, the components of the composition can be mixed together
at room temperature in a rotating drum blender or in an intensive mixer .such as a
Henschel mixer and then extrusion compounded at a temperature above about the melting
point of the poly(arylene sulfide) to produce a uniform blend.
[0049] Once made, the composition can be used to encapsulate electronic components in accordance
with any encapsulation method suitable for thermoplastic encapsulation compositions.
Such methods are well known in the art. The composition can be heated to a temperature
of at least about the melting point of the poly(arylene sulfide) and then used to
encapsulate electronic components. The composition can, for example, be introduced
into an injection molding apparatus to produce a melt which is extruded into an injection
mold wherein the electronic component to be encapsulated is positioned. Transfer molding
processes are also acceptable.
[0050] The following examples are presented to facilitate disclosure of this invention and
should not be interpreted to unduly limit its scope.
Example I
[0051] This example describes the procedures used to prepare and evaluate poly(phenylene
sulfide) compositions containing hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted
aromatic copolymer. The following ingredients were added to a Henschel mixer: 34 weight
percent poly(phenylene sulfide) [Ryton™ Phillips Petroleum Co., having a flow rate
of about 175 to 200 grams/10 min. as determined in accordance with test method ASTM
D 1238, Procedure B modified to use a 345 g wt., 600°F and a 0.0825 inch orifice];
15 weight percent wollastonite (Wallastokup G 187 0.5); 49.2 weight percent silica
(GP7I); 0.8 weight percent 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (A-189, Union Carbide);
and 1 weight percent Phil Ad™ VII (a hydrogenated 41 wt. % 1,3-butadiene/59 wt. %
styrene linear random tapered block copolymer, having a weight average molecular weight
(M ) of about 70,000 - 80,000, U.S. Patent 3,554,911). The ingredients were mixed
until completely dispersed. The mixture was passed through a Buss-Condux cokneader
extruder at 570-600°F and pelletized. The pelletized compounded product was injection
molded using a 35 ton Arbrug molding machine (650°F stock temperature, 275°F mold
temperature) into a 10 component copper alloy integrated circuit lead frame. Each
integrated circuit (I.C.) was identified as a 7400 2-input quad NAND gate I.C. After
encapsulation, each encapsulated portion measured about 0.5 inch X 0.25 inch X 0.125
inch. The encapsulated lead frame was cut and trimmed into the individual I.C.'s.
[0052] The integrated circuits were then placed on a 8 inch X 10 inch Teflon board equipped
with sockets to match those of the I.C.s. There was room for 50 circuits per board.
The board also contained electric leads to each circuit. The assembled board was placed
in an autoclave at 115°C and about 10 psig. A 5 volt current was repeatedly turned
on for 15 seconds and off for 75 seconds. Periodically the circuits were tested for
failure. This failure test was conducted by removing the I.C. from the autoclave,
cooling it to room temperature and placing it on another Teflon board consisting of
individual zero force insertion sockets. The sockets were connected to an Idea Box
(Global Specialties) which was equipped with a 5-volt power source and a signal generator.
The Idea Box was also connected to a monitor (Oscilloscope, Model 222A, Hewlett Packard).
Failure or passage was then determined by a pattern on the oscilloscope. If the pattern
was the same as before the autoclave treatment, the I.C. was considered to have passed
and was returned to the autoclave. After 96 or more hours, the I.C. was re-tested.
Testing was repeated every 96 or more hours until 20 percent of the encapsulated devices
failed. The test was referred to as the "Cycling Test". About 2000 hours of testing
was required before 20 percent of the encapsulated devices failed. When the procedure
was repeated using a poly(phenylene sulfide) composition without the hydrogenated
copolymer the 20 percent failure level was reached in only 1000 hours.
[0053] Another test called the "Constant Test" was used. This test was similar to the cycling
test except the 5 volt current applied during the autoclave treatment remained constant
rather than off-and-on. It required 2000 hours of autoclave treatment before 20 percent
of the circuits encapsulated with the poly(phenylene sulfide) composition containing
hydrogenated copolymer failed. The composition without the copolymer required 2200
hours before the 20 percent failure was reached. The results are considered comparable.
It required 2700 hours of autoclave treatment before 50 percent of the circuits encapsulated
with the poly(phenylene sulfide) composition containing hydrogenated copolymer failed.
The composition without the copolymer required 3000 hours before the 50 percent failure
level was reached. Again the results are considered comparable.
[0054] A final test, referred to as "Device Electric Yield", was made on the encapsulated
integrated circuits. This is a reliability test to determine how many circuits were
successfully encapsulated. After the integrated circuits were encapsulated, cut and
trimmed, they were tested by the oscilloscope method previously described to determine
if encapsulation was successful. They were also visually inspected. The number of
successful encapsulations was then recorded as the percent successful. Only those
circuits successfully encapsulated were further used in the "Cycling and Constant"
tests. Ninety-eight percent of the I.C.'s encapsulated with the composition containing
hydrogenated butadiene/styrene copolymer were considered successful. Only 89 percent
of the I.C.'s encapsulated with the composition without the copolymer were considered
successful. The results are presented in Table I for comparison.

Example II
[0055] This example describes the preparation and evaluation of poly(phenylene sulfide)
compositions containing different types of hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted
aromatic copolymers. The compositions prepared and tested are shown in Table II. These
compositions were each used to encapsulate integrated circuits in the same manner
as described in Example I. These encapsulated circuits were subsequently tested for
encapsulation reliability (% Device Electric Yield) in the same manner as described
in Example I. The results are listed in Table III where the data show that 86% of
the integrated circuits were successfully encapsulated with the poly(phenylene sulfide)
composition without the copolymer (Run 1). The data further show that 89% and 99%
of the circuits were successfully encapsulated with the hydrogenated butadiene/styrene
copolymer containing composition (Run 2) and the hydrogenated isoprene/styrene copolymer-containing
composition (Run 3), respectively.

Example III
[0056] This example compares the non-electrical performance properties of poly(phenylene
sulfide) encapsulation compositions using a control composition and two compositions
containing hydrogenated l,3-butadiene/ styrene copolymer. The control composition
was prepared and tested as follows: To a Welex mixer was added fused silica (97.9
weight percent) and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (2.1 weight percent) (A-187 Union
Carbide). The components were mixed for a few minutes. This mixture was transferred
to a fiber drum for dry mixing with other ingredients. The resultant composition was
(based on the total composition): 35 weight percent poly(phenylene sulfide), 48.4
weight percent fused silica, 14.6 weight percent wollastonite, 1 weight percent carbon
black and 1 weight percent of an organosilane (A-187). After tumbling for 5 to 10
minutes, the mixture was extruded through a 1.5 inch David Standard Extruder at 600°F,
granulated in a chopper and passed through a New Britain Molding machine (barrel 600°F)
into a lead frame mold which contained a "dummy" copper alloy #638 lead frame similar
to that described in Example I. Chips and lead terminals were not present in each
I.C. but rather 1/8 inch tabs (2 on one side of each I.C and one on the opposite side
of each I.C.) were present. After molding, the tabs were embedded in the composition
at various depths. In the first pack (I.C.), the tabs were embedded one-half way.
In the second pack, the two tabs on top were embedded three-fourths of the way into
the pack while the bottom tab was embedded one-fourth of the way. In the third pack,
the reverse was made. Embedding was alternated in this manner throughout the 10-pack
mold and, thus, gave representative samples for the adhesion test.
[0057] Each of the integrated circuit packs was cut away from the lead frame and trimmed.
The embedded tabs were pulled out of the resin by an Instron Testing machine (Model
1125 using a 100 Kilonewtons load cell at a crosshead speed of 5 millimeters per minute
and a chart speed of 50 millimeters per minute). There was obtained an average adhesion
value of 128 Newtons. The process was repeated using a #194 copper alloy lead frame.
An average adhesion value of 98 Newtons was obtained with the second alloy. These
two values were used as controls.
[0058] The complete mixing, compounding, extruding and testing procedure was repeated except
in addition to the ingredients disclosed there was incorporated at the dry mixing
step 2 weight percent based on the total composition of either of two types of hydrogenated
conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic copolymer, namely, Phil Ad VII (hydrogenated
41 wt. % butadiene/59 wt. % styrene linear random tapered block copolymer, M
w = 70,000 - 80,000, Phillips Petroleum Company) or Solprene 243S (hydrogenated 71
wt. % butadiene/29 wt. % styrene radial teleblock copolymer, M
w/M
n = 55,000/52,000). The results listed in Table IV indicate that the presence of either
hydrogenated copolymer greatly increased adhesion to the copper surfaces used in integrated
circuits.

Example IV
[0059] This example discloses other non-electrical performance properties of poly(phenylene
sulfide) compositions containing varying amounts hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted
aromatic copolymer. The dry blending procedure of Example III was repeated. The resultant
composition was extruded through a Davis standard extruder at 600°F, ground to a granular
material, dried in an oven at 350°F for 3 hours and then molded into bar specimens
8 inches X 1 inch X 0.125 inch using a New Britain molding machine (barrel 600°F,
mold 275°F). The results of the various tests are listed in Table V. The amount of
hydrogenated copolymer was varied from 1 to 5 weight percent. The results indicate
the presence of hydrogenated conjugated 1,3-butadiene/ styrene copolymer improved
many properties important for poly(phenylene sulfide) encapsulating compositions such
as flexural strength, tensile break and unnotched Izod impact. For example, the unnotched
Izod impact is increased from 67.4 J/M to over 90 J/M. Likewise, flexural strength
is increased from 65.8 MPa to over 80 MPa and tensile break is increased from 42.7
MPa to over 56 MPa. Some properties are reduced by the presence of the copolymers
such as flexural modulus from 17,370 MPa to less than 14,000 MPa and extrusion rate
from 21.8 g/10 mins. to 16 or less g/10 mins. These reductions, however, are not considered
detrimental for encapsulation composition peformance.

The following part of the description are preferred embodiments 1 to 51 presented
in the format of claims.
[0060]
1. An article of manufacture comprising an electronic component encapsulated with
a compositon; wherein said composition comprises
(a) poly(arylene sulfide) and
(b) hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic copolymer.
2. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein (a) is poly(phenylene sulfide).
3. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein the copolymer of (b) is
a random copolymer.
4. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein the copolymer of (b) is
a block copolymer.
5. An article of manufacture according to claim 4 wherein said copolymer is a linear
block copolymer.
6. An article of manufacture according to claim 4 wherein said copolymer is a radial
block copolymer.
7. An article of manufacture according to claim 4 wherein the monovinyl-substituted
aromatic content of said copolymer is about 10 to about 90 weight percent based upon
the total weight of said copolymer.
8. An article of manufacture according to claim 7 wherein said copolymer is characterized
by at least about 80 percent aliphatic double bond hydrogenation.
9. An article of manufacture according to claim 8 wherein said copolymer is further
characterized by less than about 25 percent aromatic double bond hydrogenation.
10. An article of manufacture according to claim 7 wherein said copolymer is characterized
by at least about 99 percent aliphatic double bond hydrogenation and by less than
about 5 percent aromatic double bond hydrogenation.
11. An article of manufacture according to claim 10 wherein (a) is poly(phenylene
sulfide).
12. An article of manufacture according to claim 7 wherein said copolymer has a weight
average molecular weight of about 25,000 to about 350,000.
13. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein said composition further
comprises reinforcement.
14. An article of manufacture according to claim 13 wherein said reinforcement is
glass fibers or calcium silicate fibers.
15. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein said composition further
comprises filler.
16. An article of manufacture according to claim 15 wherein said filler is silica,
talc or calcium sulfate.
17. An article of manufacture according to claim 15 wherein said composition further
comprises reinforcement; and wherein the amount of (b) in said composition is within
the range of about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent based upon the total weight of (a),
(b), said reinforcement and said filler.
18. An article of manufacture according to claim 17 wherein said range is about 0.5
to about 5 weight percent.
19. An article of manufacture according to claim 16 wherein said composition further
comprises reinforcement selected from glass fibers and calcium silicate fibers.
20. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein (b) is hydrogenated 1,3-butadiene/styrene
block copolymer.
21. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein (b) is hydrogenated isoprene/styrene
block copolymer.
22. An article of manufacture according to claim 21 wherein the styrene content of
said block copolymer is about 10 to about 90 weight percent based upon the total weight
of said copolymer; wherein said block copolymer is characterized by at least about
80 percent aliphatic double bond hydrogenation and less than about 25 percent aromatic
double bond hydrogenation; and wherein said hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight
average molecular weight of about 25,000 to about 350,000.
23. An article of manufacture as recited in claim 1 wherein said electronic component
4S selected from the group consisting of
capacitors
resistors
resistor networks
integrated circuits
transistors
diodes
triodes
thyristors
coils
varistors
connectors
condensers
transducers
crystal oscillators
fuses
rectifiers
power supplies, and
microswitches.
24. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein said composition further
comprises an organosilane.
25. A composition for encapsulating an active electronic component comprising:
(i) about 25 to about 45 weight percent poly(arylene sulfide).
(ii) about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted
aromatic copolymer,
(iii) about 5 to about 30 weight percent reinforcement, and
(iv) about 40 to about 60 weight percent filler;
wherein said weight percentages are based upon the total weight of (i), (ii), (iii)
and (iv); and wherein the viscosity of said composition does not exceed about 800
poise as tested on a capillary rheometer at 650°F and at a shear rate of 1000 (sec)
-1.
26. A composition in accordance with claim 25 wherein said filler is silica; and wherein
said reinforcement is glass fibers or calcium silicate fibers.
27. A composition in accordance with claim 26 wherein (i) is poly(phenylene sulfide).
28. A composition according to claim 27 wherein (ii) is a hydrogenated isoprene/styrene
block copolymer having a styrene content of about 10 to about 90 weight percent based
upon the total weight of said copolymer; wherein said copolymer is characterized by
at least about 80 percent aliphatic double bond hydrogenation and less than about
25 percent aromatic double bond hydrogenation; and wherein said hydrogenated copolymer
has a weight average molecular weight of about 25,000 to about 350,000.
29. A composition in accordance with claim 25 wherein said viscosity of said composition
does not exceed about 150 poise.
30. A composition according to claim 25 further comprising an organosilane.
31. An electronic component encapsulated with the composition of claim 25.
32. An electronic component encapsulated with the composition of claim 27.
33. An electronic component encapsulated with the composition of claim 28.
34. An integrated circuit with wire leads encapsulated, with the composition of claim
29.
35. A composition for encapsulating passive electronic components comprising:
(i) about 25 to about 45 weight percent poly(arylene sulfide).
(ii) about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted
aromatic copolymer,
(iii) about 20 to about 50 weight percent reinforcement, and
(iv) about 18 to about 38 weight percent filler;
wherein said weight percentages are based upon the total weight of (i), (ii), (iii)
and (iv); and wherein the viscosity of said composition does not exceed about 1200
poise as tested on a capillary rheometer at 650°F and at a shear rate of 1000 (sec)-36.
A composition in accordance with claim 35 wherein said filler is selected from talc
and calcium sulfate.
37. A composition in accordance with claim 36 wherein said reinforcement is selected
from glass fibers and calcium silicate fibers.
38. A composition in accordance with claim 35 wherein (i) is poly(phenylene sulfide).
39. A composition according to claim 35 wherein (ii) is a hydrogenated isoprene/styrene
block copolymer having a styrene content of about 10 to about 90 weight percent based
upon the total weight of said copolymer; wherein said copolymer is characterized by
at least about 80 percent aliphatic double bond hydrogenation and less than about
25 percent aromatic double bond hydrogenation; and wherein said hydrogenated copolymer
has a weight average molecular weight of about 25,000 to about 350,000.
40. A composition in accordance with claim 37 wherein said filler is talc.
41. A composition in accordance with claim 37 wherein said filler is calcium sulfate.
42. A composition in accordance with claim 35 further comprising an organosilane.
43. An electronic component encapsulated with the composition of claim 35.
44. An electronic component encapsulated with the composition of claim 38.
45. An electronic component encapsulated with the composition of claim 39.
46. A capacitor encapsulated with the composition of claim 40.
47. A connector encapsulated with the composition of claim 41.
48. A method comprising:
(a) producing a mixture comprising (i) poly(arylene sulfide) and (ii) hydrogenated
conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic copolymer,
(b) heating said mixture to a temperature of at least about the melting point of said
poly(arylene sulfide), and
(c) encapsulating an electronic component with said mixture.
49. A method as recited in claim 48 wherein said poly(arylene sulfide) is poly(phenylene
sulfide).
50. A method as recited in claim 48 wherein said mixture produced in (a) further comprises
(iii) reinforcement and (iv) filler.
51. A method as recited in claim 48 wherein injection molding is used to encapsulate
said electronic component.
1. An article of manufacture comprising an electronic component encapsulated with
a composition comprising
(1) poly(arylene sulfide),
(2) hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic copolymer and, optionally,
(3) reinforcement,
(4) filler,
(5) organosilane.
2. The article of claim 1, characterized in that said composition is one according
to any of claims 3 to 11.
3. A composition for encapsulating electronic components comprising,each weight percent
based on the total amount of components (1) to (4)
(1) 25 to 45 percent poly(arylene sulfide),
(2) 0.1 to 10 percent hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic
copolymer,
(3) 5 to 50 percent reinforcement,
(4) 18 to 60 percent filler and, optionally,
(5) organosilane.
4. The composition of claim 3 for encapsulating an active electronic component comprising:
(1) 25 to 45 weight percent poly(arylene sulfide)
(2) 0.1 to 10 weight percent hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic
copolymer,
(3) 5 to 30 weight percent reinforcement,
(4) 40 to 60 weight percent filler and, optionally,
(5) organosilane,
wherein said weight percentages are based upon the total weight of components (1)
to (4), and wherein the viscosity of said composition does not exceed about 800 poise
as tested on a capillary rheometer at 343°C and at a shear rate of 1000 (sec)
-1; in particular wherein said viscosity of said composition does not exceed about 150
poise.
i. The composition of claim 3 for encapsulating passive electronic components comprising:
(1) 25 to 45 weight percent poly(arylene sulfide),
(2) 0.1 to 10 weight percent hydrogenated conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic
copolymer,
(3) 20 to 50 weight percent reinforcement,
(4) 18 to 38 weight percent filler and, optionally,
(5) organosilane,
wherein said weight percentages are based upon the total weight of components (1)
to (4), and wherein the viscosity of said composition does not exceed about 1200 poise
as tested on a capillary rheometer at 343°C and at a shear rate of 1000 (sec)
-1.
6. The embodiment of any of the preceding claims characterized in that (1) is poly(phenylene
sulfide).
7. The embodiment of any of the preceding claims characterized in that the copolymer
of (2) is a random copolymer or a block copolymer; in particular wherein said block
copolymer is a linear block copolymer or a radial block copolymer.
8. The embodiment of any of the preceding claims characterized in that the monovinyl-substituted
aromatic content of said copolymer is from 10 to 90 weight percent based upon the
total weight of said copolymer; in particular wherein said copolymer is characterized
by at least about 80 percent aliphatic double bond hydrogenation; in particular wherein
said copolymer is further characterized by less than about 25 percent aromatic double
bond hydrogenation; in particular wherein said copolymer is characterized by at least
about 99 percent aliphatic double bond hydrogenation and by less than about 5 percent
aromatic double bond hydrogenation; in particular wherein said copolymer has a weight
average molecular weight of 25,000 to 350,000.
9. The embodiment of any of the preceding claims characterized in that (2) is a hydrogenated
1,3-butadiene/ styrene block copolymer or a hydrogenated isoprene/ styrene block copolymer;
in particular wherein the styrene content of said block copolymer is from 10 to 90
weight percent based upon the total weight of said copolymer.
10. The embodiment of any of the preceding claims characterized in that said reinforcement
is glass fibers or calcium silicate fibers, and said filler is silica, talc or calcium
sulfate.
11. The embodiment of any of the preceding claims charact- terized in that the amount
of (2) in said composition is within the range of 0.1 to 10 weight percent based upon
the total weight of components (1) to (4); in particular wherein said range is from
0.5 to 5 weight percent.
12. A method comprising:
(a) producing a mixture comprising (1) poly(arylene sulfide), (2) hydrogenated conjugated
diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic copolymer and, optionally, (3) reinforcement,
(4) filler and (5) organosilane,
(b) heating said mixture to a temperature of at least about the melting point of said
poly(arylene sulfide), and
(c) encapsulating an electronic component with said mixture.
13. The method of claim 12 characterized in that said mixture is the composition of
any of claims 3 to 11.
14. An electronic component encapsulated with the composition of any of claims 3 to
11.